The Eye of the World
Author: Robert Jordan
My Rating: 5/5
Book Summary
The Eye of the World is the first book in Robert Jordan's epic The Wheel of Time series. It introduces readers to a richly detailed world full of diverse characters, magic and dark forces.
The series takes place thousands of years after the imprisonment of the Dark One and an event referred to as the Breaking of the World.
A young man named Rand al'Thor and his friends, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, and Egwene al'Vere, are thrust into a perilous journey when their isolated village in the Two Rivers is attacked by forces of the Dark One.
Under the guidance of the mysterious Aes Sedai, Moiraine, and her Warder, Lan, they flee their home to escape the Dark One’s agents and uncover their role in an ancient prophecy.
They must come to terms with the weakening of the Dark One’s prison and the gradual unveiling that their destinies are tied to the fate of a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
Ryan's Review
Where do I begin with the Wheel of Time series? This book (and the entire series) has been a personal favorite of mine since I was a child. I remember my best friend and I walking in the woods near our homes. We chatted for hours about how amazing it would be to talk with wolves, cast fire from our palms, and battle against vicious Trollocs. This book was a constant bedside companion to me then. It’ll always have a special place in my heart from me now.
The Eye of the World is a captivating start to one of the most expansive fantasy series ever written. Originally planned as a trilogy, the series expanded over the ensuing decades to include 14 books and a prequel. Robert Jordan is an impeccable world-builder. The detailed landscapes, various cultures, and systems of magic in the Wheel of Time are handled with incredible care.
There are two flaws that I should make clear with the series. One is that Robert Jordan can go very description crazy. This becomes more apparent in later books. The other is that he does not write women well. While he has created great, memorable and bad-ass female characters, even often they are relegated to the sidelines while the male characters sort out their mistakes. It can be frustrating, especially re-reading these books as an adult. However, while glaring at times, I feel it doesn’t take away from everything else Jordan does right in his flawed masterpiece.
As book one of the series, it does a good job of having a contained plot. There is a clear beginning and end. This is satisfying in the world of stay tuned for next week’s episode. One of the standout aspects is the gradual build-up of tension and mystery. From the moment we meet Rand and his friends, there’s a sense that something bigger is at play, and the novel does a fantastic job of weaving in that growing sense of dread and excitement. The pacing can feel slow at times, especially with the heavy descriptions, but it serves to immerse the reader fully in the world. If you’re a fan of richly detailed epic fantasies, this is a perfect read to get lost in for a while. The scope and promise of the series are clear from this first book, and it's easy to see why it has remained a beloved staple in fantasy.
Jordan takes inspiration from J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and Frank Herbert’s Dune. The Tolkienisms are main characters that begin at an idyllic farming village before being thrust into action when outside forces intrude on their peaceful way of life. As for Dune, the prominent magic, or One Power, users in the series are the Aes Sedai, a powerful all female organization. They openly and secretly control most nations featured in the series.
Conclusion: A personal favorite and a great book one.
Notable Characters
• Rand al'Thor: The main protagonist, a seemingly ordinary farm boy from the Two Rivers who is thrust into a journey to protect his people. Soon he discovers a much larger destiny as a powerful thread in the Pattern.
• Moiraine Damodred: A powerful Aes Sedai who becomes the guide and protector of the group, enigmatic and determined.
• Lan Mandragoran: Moiraine’s stoic and skilled Warder, a master swordsman.
• Egwene al'Vere: Rand’s childhood friend and love interest who shows potential for becoming a powerful Aes Sedai herself.
• Mat Cauthon: One of Rand’s best friends, a trickster and a powerful thread of the Pattern in his own right.
• Perrin Aybara: One of Rand’s best friends, a blacksmith and a powerful thread of the Pattern in his own right.
Quotable Quotes
- "The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills."
- "Duty is heavier than a mountain, death lighter than a feather."
- "In the stories, small things can turn the tide of battles.
Additional Resources
Title Available for Purchase
The Eye of the World is available for purchase on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Don't forget to support local bookstores! The Eye of the World is available for purchase on Bookshop.org in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook.
Audiobook Resources
The audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pike or Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are available across all platforms.
The Eye of the World audiobook is included in Spotify Premium . Starts at $11.99 per month for an indivdual account and 15 hours of audiobook listening.
The Eye of the World audiobook is available for purchase on Audible. Starts at $7.95 per month for an Audible Plus account.
Also check out the Libby app. It is free to install, and all the digital content from your library in Libby is free to borrow with a valid library card.
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